pox

[poks]

noun

Pathology.

1. a disease characterized by multiple skin pustules, as smallpox.

2. syphilis.

3. Also called soil rot. Plant Pathology.,  a disease of sweet potatoes, characterized by numerous pitlike lesions on the roots, caused by a fungus, Streptomyces ipomoea.

4. (used as an interjection to express distaste, rejection, aversion, etc.).

   A pox on you and your bright ideas!

pox

/ pɒks /

noun

1. any disease characterized by the formation of pustules on the skin that often leave pockmarks when healed

2. an informal name for syphilis

3. archaic,  (interjection) an expression of intense disgust or aversion for someone

Word History and Origins

Origin of pox¹

1540–50 (earlier as surname); spelling variant of pocks, plural of pock

Word History and Origins

Origin of pox¹

C15: changed from pocks, plural of _pock

Example Sentences

In rare cases chicken pox can cause a swelling of the brain, called encephalitis; an inflammation of the lungs, called pneumonitis; and stroke, which can result in hospitalisation and - very rarely - death.

From BBC

At first, the Alberta mother assumed it was a common side effect of immunisations - or perhaps a case of chicken pox.

From BBC

When Osric seeks medical treatment for a degenerative condition, he gets roped into helping Aurienne’s order cure an outbreak of pox that is killing children in droves.

From Los Angeles Times

Nor was it ever used in vaccines against chicken pox, polio or pneumonia.

From Los Angeles Times

If not shots, why not host a version of the 1970s chicken pox party?

From Salon

Related Words

• gonorrhea 
• herpes 
• syphilis